Written by

J.M. Hirsch

AP Food Editor

Summer is better with a signature cocktail. Not a fancy dinner cocktail. Not a party cocktail. And certainly nothing that anyone who goes by the title “mixologist” ever would deign to make.

I’m talking about an everyday cocktail, something that can be thrown together after work or a day of swimming, then casually sipped while standing at the grill or sitting by the pool or dock.

A good summer cocktail must be simple to assemble, preferably from memory. It must be sweet and refreshing, but not cloying. It should have a crispness. It should welcome ice and not suffer noticeably as the ice melts. And it must be versatile enough to go with whatever is on the dinner menu.

I also should add that proper stemware is essential for enjoying a summer cocktail. In my house that usually means either canning jars or recycled jam jars.

Pisco sour

2 1/2 ounces pisco

1 1/2 ounces lime juice

1 1/2 ounces simple syrup

1 1/2 tablespoons egg white

1/2 cup ice

Combine all ingredients in a blender and blend until very smooth and frothy. Pour into a large, heavy glass and serve immediately.

Servings: 1

Gin and bitter lemon

1 to 2 slices lemon

1 teaspoon sugar

1 1/2 ounces gin

Ice

Bitter lemon tonic

Fresh mint, to garnish

In a medium, heavy glass, combine the lemon slices and sugar. Gently muddle, then add the gin and enough ice to mostly fill the glass. Top with bitter lemon tonic, then stir and garnish with fresh mint.

Servings: 1

Trashy Red Wine Sangria

If you feel so inclined, go ahead and float some raspberries or sliced strawberries in this, too.

1 to 2 slices orange

2 tablespoons lime juice

1 to 2 tablespoons sugar

4 ounces red wine

Ice

Seltzer water (optional)

In a large, heavy glass, combine the orange slices, lime juice and sugar. Gently muddle, then add the wine and enough ice to mostly fill the glass. Stir. If desired, top with a splash of seltzer for bubbles.

Servings: 1

Vodka watermelon slushie

1 1/2 cups watermelon chunks

1/2 cup ice

1 1/2 ounces vodka

1 ounce lemon juice

1 ounce honey or simple syrup

Pinch salt

Combine all ingredients in a blender and blend until very smooth and frothy. Pour into a large, heavy glass and serve immediately.